Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with this comprehensive collection, "Britten: The Choral Edition." Released in 1997, this album is a testament to Britten's enduring legacy in the world of classical and choral music. Spanning over two hours, this meticulously curated selection features a diverse range of compositions that showcase Britten's versatility and genius.
The album opens with a series of hymns dedicated to various saints, including St. Peter, St. Columba, and St. Cecilia, each piece brimming with reverence and musical depth. The iconic "Rejoice in the Lamb" is a standout, with its whimsical and profound texts set to Britten's evocative music. The album also includes excerpts from Britten's opera "Gloriana," offering a taste of his dramatic and lyrical prowess.
For those who appreciate sacred music, the album features the "Missa Brevis in D Major," a concise yet powerful setting of the Mass, and the ethereal "A Ceremony of Carols," a beloved collection of carols that capture the spirit of the holiday season. The inclusion of "Jubilate Deo" and "Te Deum" further enriches the sacred repertoire, while "A Wedding Anthem" provides a touch of celebratory joy.
Recorded by the Finzi Singers, this album benefits from their crisp and precise ensemble, bringing clarity and vibrancy to Britten's intricate compositions. The booklet, complete with notes by Judith LeGrove and modern English translations of the medieval poems, adds an educational dimension, making this album a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's library.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a profound and enriching experience, highlighting the composer's unique voice and enduring impact on choral music.
2013 Chandos Records2013 Chandos Records
Tracks
Hymn to St Peter, Op. 56aBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Julie Cooper, Finzi Singers
Hymn to St ColumbaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Julie Cooper, Stephen Carter, Mark Milhofer, Matthew Brook, Finzi Singers
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: I. In a garden shady this holy ladyBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: II. I cannot growBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: III. O ear whose creatures cannot wish to fallBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: I. Rejoice in God, O ye TonguesBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: II. Let Nimrod, the mighty hunterBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: III. Hallelujah from the heart of GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: IV. For I will consider my Cat JeoffryBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: V. For the Mouse is a creature of great personal valourBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VI. For the flowers are great blessingsBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VII. For I am under the same accusation with my SaviourBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VIII. For H is a spirit and therefore he is GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: IX. For the instruments are by their rhimesBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: X. Hallelujah from the heart of GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: I. TimeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: II. ConcordBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: III. Time and ConcordBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: IV. Country GirlsBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: V. Rustics and FishermenBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: VI. Final Dance of HomageBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: I. Prayer IBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: II. Rosa MysticaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: III. God's GrandeurBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: IV. Prayer IIBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: V. O Deus, ego amo TeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: VI. The SoldierBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: VII. Heaven-HavenBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Jubilate DeoBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Te DeumBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Antiphon, Op. 56bBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Rachel Wheatley, Rachel Elliot, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: I. KyrieBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Robert Burt, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: II. GloriaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Robert Burt, Rachel Wheatley, Carys Lane, Lindasy Wagstaff, Andrew Lumsden, Lindsay Wagstaff, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: III. SanctusBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: IV. BenedictusBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Lindasy Wagstaff, Lindsay Wagstaff, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: V. Agnus DeiBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A Wedding Anthem, Op. 46Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Mark Milhofer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Christ's Nativity: II. Sweet was the Song the Virgin SungBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susanna Spicer, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: I. ProcessionBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: II. Wolcum Yole!Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: III. There is no RoseBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IVa. That yonge childBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IVb. BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: V. As dew in AprilleBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VI. This little BabeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VII. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VIII. In Freezing Winter NightBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Kathryn Cook, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IX. Spring CarolBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Rachel Wheatley, Rachel Elliot, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: X. Deo graciasBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
Benjamin Britten, a titan of 20th-century British music, is celebrated for his profound contributions to opera, choral, and orchestral compositions. Born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 1913, Britten began his musical journey at the tender age of six, with his first compositions published during his student years. His operatic works, such as the hauntingly powerful "Peter Grimes" and the poignant "Billy Budd," have earned him a place among the most prominent figures in modern opera, often drawing comparisons to Ralph Vaughan Williams. Britten's repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from enchanting operas to heartfelt choral masterpieces and orchestral gems like "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra." His emotive and accessible compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest British composers of his generation. Beyond his composing prowess, Britten was also a skilled conductor and pianist, and he served as the President of the Society of Recorder Players from 1958 until his passing in 1976.
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Britten: The Choral Edition - Benjamin Britten - Vinyl LP
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Benjamin Britten
